The announcement was made during a high-level courtesy visit by officials of the Abu Dhabi-based carrier to the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, in Abuja, where both parties discussed the roadmap for the airline's return and broader cooperation in Nigeria's aviation sector.
The planned resumption is expected to improve travel options for Nigerian passengers flying to the United Arab Emirates and other international destinations while strengthening Nigeria's ambition of becoming a leading aviation hub in West Africa.
The development was disclosed in a statement issued by the Minister's Special Adviser on Media and Communications, Tunde Moshood, who said the move aligns with ongoing efforts to deepen international connectivity and restore confidence among global airlines operating in Nigeria.
The Etihad delegation was led by the airline's Senior Vice President, Aeropolitical, International and Government Affairs, Capt. Khalid Al Ali. Other members of the delegation included Senior Vice President, Network, Alliance and Commercial Strategy, Jurriaan Stelder; Head of Aeropolitical and Industry Affairs, Asma Al Mheiri; and Diplomatic Affairs Manager, Mouza Khadem Al Ghaithi.
They were received alongside key Nigerian aviation stakeholders, including the Director-General of the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Chris Najomo; Managing Director of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Mrs. Olubunmi Kuku; Managing Director of the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA), Umar Farouk; and other senior government officials.
During the meeting, Capt. Al Ali formally informed the minister that Etihad Airways was ready to return to the Nigerian market, describing the development as a long-awaited milestone for the airline.
"Your Excellency, thank you very much for receiving us. We've been very eager to meet you because of the project to start flying to Nigeria. That's why we're here to inform you officially now that we are ready to fly to Nigeria. There's also a lot of push from our Ambassador to commence flights to Abuja. Our plan is to start Lagos between March 24 and 27, 2027."
He disclosed that Etihad had already sealed a landmark codeshare partnership with Nigeria's largest carrier, Air Peace, describing the agreement as a strategic alliance that would significantly improve passenger connectivity across Nigeria and international destinations.
According to him, the airline plans to deploy its Boeing 787 Dreamliner on the Nigerian route, operating daily services to meet the anticipated demand from business and leisure travellers.
Welcoming the announcement, Minister Keyamo described Etihad's decision as another indication that Nigeria's aviation sector is becoming increasingly attractive to international carriers following ongoing reforms by the Federal Government.
He also applauded the airline's partnership with Air Peace, saying it demonstrated growing confidence in indigenous Nigerian airlines.
"I saw you just signed a very good deal with Air Peace yesterday. That's very good. Air Peace is one of our trusted and most reliable airlines. We are supporting them to grow. It is a very proud Nigerian flag carrier."
The minister reiterated the government's commitment to providing an enabling environment for both domestic and foreign airlines through policy reforms and improved collaboration with aviation agencies.
Keyamo noted that he had anticipated Etihad's return for some time, adding that restoring the confidence of international airlines remains a central objective of the administration's aviation agenda.
While acknowledging ongoing renovation and expansion works at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos, the minister appealed to the airline to consider launching services to Abuja in addition to Lagos.
According to him, Nigeria's capital city offers enormous commercial potential and would better serve passengers from the northern region who currently travel to Lagos before connecting to the UAE and other destinations.
"Lagos is saturated, but we want to make all the space and everything available for you in Abuja. I want to beg you to consider Abuja. So many passengers from Northern Nigeria travelling to the UAE or transiting to Saudi Arabia for Umrah and other destinations currently have to travel all the way to Lagos to board flights. Everyone has been asking for Abuja. If you start Abuja, you will be amazed by the passenger traffic. So, we are begging you to include Abuja."
To ensure a seamless return of the airline, Keyamo directed the Managing Director of FAAN to immediately begin all necessary operational arrangements for Etihad's planned services at the Lagos airport.
He stressed that every relevant aviation agency must work together to eliminate bureaucratic delays and ensure the airline meets its planned commencement timeline.
Responding to the minister's directive, FAAN Managing Director, Mrs. Olubunmi Kuku, assured the Etihad delegation that the authority would provide the necessary operational support despite ongoing infrastructure upgrades at the airport.
She acknowledged that space at the temporary terminal remains limited because of the airport expansion project but pledged that FAAN would make every possible effort to accommodate the airline until the new facilities are completed.
As part of efforts to fast-track preparations, the minister approved the immediate establishment of a joint working committee comprising officials from the Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development, its agencies and Etihad Airways.
Both parties agreed to commence technical engagements through virtual meetings as early as next week to accelerate regulatory approvals, operational planning and other logistics required ahead of the airline's scheduled return in March 2027.
The planned resumption of Etihad Airways' operations is expected to increase competition on the Nigeria-UAE route, expand travel choices for passengers, and further strengthen bilateral aviation and commercial ties between Nigeria and the United Arab Emirates.